When your child begins Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you may find yourself meeting several new professionals. Each person on your child's ABA team plays a unique and important role in helping them grow and thrive. Understanding these roles can help you feel more confident and informed as your child begins services.
In this post, we’ll explain the different ABA therapist roles you might encounter, including Behavior Technicians, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Student Analysts, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Senior BCBAs.
1. Behavior Technicians (BTs)
Behavior Technicians are entry-level providers who work directly with your child. They implement behavior intervention plans designed by a BCBA. While they may not be certified yet, many are working toward their RBT credential.
Common responsibilities:
- Running therapy sessions
- Teaching communication, social, and daily living skills
- Recording data on your child’s progress
Training requirements vary by state or agency but typically include background checks, safety training, and ABA fundamentals.
2. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
RBTs are nationally certified professionals who have completed a 40-hour training, passed a competency assessment, and earned a certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). They are supervised regularly by a BCBA.
What RBTs do:
- Deliver 1:1 therapy sessions
- Collect and track data
- Work closely with families and supervisors
- Follow ethical guidelines and best practices
3. Student Analysts (Graduate-Level ABA Therapists)
Some RBTs are also graduate students studying to become BCBAs. These team members are often called “Student Analysts.”
What makes them unique:
- They may take on additional responsibilities, such as helping with assessments or developing parts of a treatment plan
- They are still supervised closely by a licensed BCBA
- They're learning how to lead ABA programs while continuing to work directly with your child
4. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
The BCBA is the lead clinician responsible for designing and overseeing your child’s ABA program. They have a master’s degree, extensive supervised experience, and have passed a national certification exam.
BCBAs are responsible for:
- Conducting assessments and writing behavior intervention plans
- Training and supervising RBTs and other staff
- Meeting with families to set goals and review progress
- Ensuring the program is effective and ethical
5. Senior BCBAs
Senior BCBAs have years of experience and often take on leadership roles. They may supervise multiple BCBAs, mentor Student Analysts, and help develop organization-wide clinical strategies. While they might not work directly with every family, they play a critical role in maintaining quality of care.
How they contribute:
- Oversee clinical teams and complex cases
- Provide advanced support for treatment planning
- Ensure clinical standards across locations or programs
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to ABA or just want a clearer picture of who’s working with your child, understanding ABA therapist roles can help you be a stronger advocate and partner in your child’s progress.
If you're searching for quality ABA services, ask questions like:
- Who will be working with my child day-to-day?
- How often will a BCBA be involved?
- Are the therapists certified and experienced?
📞 Want to learn more about how our ABA team supports children and families? Contact us today!